United in Love

On July 3 the Lord blessed me with the opportunity to participate in an ecumenical event in Rome, Italy at St. Peter’s Square called “Voices in Prayer.” Pope Francis hosted the event, organized by a charismatic organization within the Catholic Church called “Renewal in the Holy Spirit.”

From my perspective, this was a significant event for the Body of Christ. I want to be a part of anything that promotes unity among followers of Jesus. We are divided on so many things; yet, I have seen how worship and prayer are two common practices that help bring the church together.

In his sermon, Pope Francis said: “Before ISIS beheads someone, they don’t ask, ‘Are you a Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Coptic or Catholic?’ They ask, ‘Are you a Christian?’ If ISIS can be united in their hate for us, we should be united in our love.”

At the end of his sermon, which focused on unity and baptism in the Holy Spirit, the choir sang “Holy Spirit, come.” As they finished that song, the sound of voices worshiping freely in the Spirit filled St. Peter’s Square. People from different groups within the Body of Christ held hands and in the spirit of Christ, lifted up persecuted Christians around the world.

In this same spirit, I invite my friends to join me in praying for persecuted followers of Jesus Christ. “Heavenly Father, bring your power to suffering Christians. Give them strength to endure hardship, love to overcome evil and your resurrection testimony to bring salvation to the lost. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”